Cool and Comfortable Clothing Choices for Fibromyalgia

Living with fibromyalgia usually means coping with daily pain and fatigue. One common — and often overlooked — source of pain for people with fibromyalgia can stem from your clothing choices. As a result, you can help fibromyalgia simply by making better decisions about what you wear, says Nathan Wei, MD, a rheumatologist and director of the Arthritis Treatment Center in Frederick, Md. “People who have fibromyalgia have a condition where even light touch can be perceived as being painful. This is called allodynia. As a result, clothes should be loose-fitting, lightweight, and non-constricting.” In other words, tight clothes are the enemy.

Bras and Underwear

With all the straps and wires, not to mention their close proximity to the skin, it’s no wonder that bras are high on the list of clothing that causes chronic pain among women with fibromyalgia. “Many women with fibromyalgia will actually not wear bras because of the uncomfortable feeling,” says Dr. Wei.

To make sure that bras and underwear help rather than harm, opt for loose-fitting, not constrictive styles that are easy to pull on and off. Also, choose bras and underwear that are made of soft cotton rather than harsh synthetic fabrics, suggests Stephen Soloway, MD, a rheumatologist in private practice in Vineland, N.J.

Socks and Pantyhose

Many newer types of socks are made from synthetic fabrics to help wick away sweat or fight odors, but Wei says it’s important to stick with natural fibers like cotton when choosing socks. “It’s critical to avoid synthetics,” he says. “Some patients with fibromyalgia may be sensitive to chemicals.”

Most pantyhose are made from synthetics, so Dr. Soloway says it’s best to go with soft, loose-fitting, and non-constrictive choices if you have fibromyalgia — avoid control top designs, for instance. If hose still aggravate your chronic pain, you may want to try avoiding them entirely.Or try looser fitting, 100 percent cotton tights as an alternative to nylon hose.

Pants and Skirts

Skinny jeans, leggings, and miniskirts might be stylish choices, but if you have chronic pain from fibromyalgia, part of your fibromyalgia treatment plan might be to keep pant and skirt choices loose and comfortable as well. “My best advice is that pants and skirts should be easy to get on and off,” says Wei. “Also, it’s probably a good idea again to avoid synthetics in favor of natural fabrics like wool and cotton.”

Shirts and Sweaters

For fibromyalgia help from shirts and sweaters, many of the same rules apply as to the other clothing categories. “I would opt for cotton or soft wool such as cashmeres,” says Soloway. Here’s another idea to try when choosing a shirt or sweater to avoid worsening chronic pain from fibromyalgia: Choose darker colors that will protect your skin from the sun. “You might want to consider something that is photo-protective,” says Wei. “Some patients may be taking medicines that sensitize their skin to sunlight.”

Dresses

Our experts agree that dresses can often be an excellent choice for women with fibromyalgia. That’s because it’s easy to find a wide selection of dress designs that are stylish yet flowing and feel luxurious rather than irritating against your skin. “Just choose any dress that is made from natural fabrics, is loose-fitting and, of course, comfortable,” says Wei.

Hats, Gloves, and Scarves

Hats are in fashion — and you may want to try a big floppy hat to protect yourself from summer heat. In the wintertime, hats, gloves, and scarves are often essential to keep warm. But you’ll need to choose these tight-fitting accessories carefully when you’re battling the chronic pain of fibromyalgia. While the same general rules of loose-fitting, natural fabrics apply, Wei says you shouldn’t be surprised if extreme sensitivity prevents you from wearing any of these items for a long time. “Patients with fibromyalgia may not be able to wear hats, gloves, and scarves because of the excessive sensitivity they feel,” he says. If this is the case for you, it may help your fibromyalgia to limit your outdoor exposure in the winter months.

This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here.

Advertising Notice

This Site and third parties who place advertisements on this Site may collect and use information about
your visits to this Site and other websites in order to provide advertisements about goods and services of
interest to you. If you would like to obtain more information about these advertising practices and to make
choices about online behavioral advertising, please click here.